On Wednesday, Ottawa City Council officially approved the Budget Direction for 2026. And as they try to keep next year’s property tax hike at 3.75 percent, coupled with a transit fare increase of up to 7.5 percent, City Council is also attempting to cap the size of the municipal public service. Rideau-Jock councillor David Brown put forward a motion to set that magic cap at 17,105 employees, which was supported in a 14 to 10 vote. This rule would exempt paramedics, firefighters, and bylaw services. Requests for exemptions are also being made for Ottawa Police, OC Transpo, Ottawa Public Library, Ottawa Public Health, long-term care positions, and childcare positions. Councillor Brown joins Kristy Cameron to outline his reasoning on today’s Ottawa Now.

<p>On Wednesday, Ottawa City Council officially approved the Budget Direction for 2026. And as they try to keep next year&rsquo;s property tax hike at 3.75 percent, coupled with a transit fare increase of up to 7.5 percent, City Council is also attempting to cap the size of the municipal public service. Rideau-Jock councillor David Brown put forward a motion to set that magic cap at 17,105 employees, which was supported in a 14 to 10 vote. This rule would exempt paramedics, firefighters, and bylaw services. Requests for exemptions are also being made for Ottawa Police, OC Transpo, Ottawa Public Library, Ottawa Public Health, long-term care positions, and childcare positions. Councillor Brown joins Kristy Cameron to outline his reasoning on today&rsquo;s Ottawa Now.</p>